Will be in Mexico and New Mexico all next summer, so can't accept invitation to Bread Loaf. Probably won't ever have time to do it again. Willa Cather [Stout #812]
"The Bohemian Girl" was never published as a book; withdrew it from book publication because judged it unworthy. The only copy of The Troll Garden she has belonged to Sarah Orne Jewett, with Jewett's marginal notes. Never lends it. Unreprinted stories are without merit—such as "A Death in the Desert," such a weak story! P.S.: Will be interested in seeing his book. Doesn't agree this is a great period in literature in English. Willa Cather [Stout #851]
Appreciated the valentine treat, which helped cheer her up from a period of feeling down, mainly because she can't look forward to another writing project as rewarding as Archbishop. Has been to a Rin Tin Tin movie. Steichen is coming to dinner; will wear her beautiful new dress. Is reading proofs with Edith. W. S. C. [Stout #875]
No, does not give permission to use her name in the announcement. Would subject her to endless approaches from periodicals. Willa Cather [Stout #1063]
Just back from Canada and finds his discerning review. Realizes that the deep meaning of both of last two books is moral character of the French. Appreciates his sending her the telegram from Edward Sheldon; glad he finds the book rings true. Willa Cather [Stout #1077]
Cannot read his last name. That young man's book about Sarah Orne Jewett is very poor, and manners offensive. Appreciates his telling her the incident about Mary Jewett. Dr. Eastman, Jewett's nephew, kept her posted after Mary Jewett's stroke. Willa Cather [Stout #1241]
The debate over Joseph Conrad is endless. Prefers a more direct, unadorned sentence style. Few writers can give themselves up to baroque emotionalism and succeed. Turgenev could. Conrad becomes artificial or decadent. Listened to the king's abdication speech on the radio [Edward VIII abdicated on December 11, 1936] and found it plausible and distinguished. An example of rhetorical control. What does he think of the people close to the king? [letter breaks off] [Stout #1350]
Loves the Chinese nightingale! But don't order from Thorley's florist shop again; quality has deteriorated. Will try before long to explain why she so dislikes Dan Totheroh's dramatization of A Lost Lady and send it back. How could Zoë have liked it? Dialogue doesn't fit the characters. Maybe she thinks it doesn't matter how a book is butchered so long as it becomes a play. However bad [Eugene] O'Neill is, at least he makes up his own drivel. Is always struggling to protect books from stage and radio. But as to radio, hopes she listened to king's speech. Sorry to be so cross. Please don't hold it against her. W. [Stout #1352]
Approves photo in striped front with open collar and hat with flowers, though it makes her complexion look like a Negro's. May approve 1920 passport photo and snapshot made in Ville d'Avray with dog or cat, but they aren't good prints so can't tell. Doesn't like reduction of photo made by Nicholas Murray in 1924, in ornate jacket, because all shadows are bleached out. Doesn't like print from photo by Ensminger in 1937 because contrasts of blacks and whites are too severe. Does not approve the Steichen photo in middy blouse. [Stout #1389]
Is recovering from influenza. Enjoyed reading about his meeting with Stephen Tennant and mother and stepfather, Sir Edward Grey. Didn't mean Grey was stern, but his interests and Stephen's utterly dissimilar. Very pleased with O Pioneers! in autograph edition. Did he hear the recital Hephzibah and Yehudi Menuhin gave in Boston? Such a joy to know them! Willa Cather [Stout #1401]
